MUSIC and books retailer HMV was today looking to band Coldplay and schoolboy wizard Harry Potter to turn around a fall in like-for-like sales.

HMV said demand for the X&Y album by Coldplay was the second highest in UK chart history in the week following its release on June 6, but it could not prevent same-store sales from dipping by 1 per cent overall during the seven weeks to June 18.

Sales at its core HMV chain in the UK and Ireland were currently 4 per cent behind last year but improving with a stronger schedule of DVD releases to come and new consoles poised to ignite the market for computer games, the company said.

Although like-for-like sales at Waterstone's book chain were down by 2.8 per cent during the seven-week period, HMV took heart from a rush of advance orders for the latest novel chronicling the adventures of Harry Potter.

The recent fall in same-store sales overall compared with growth of 1.1 per cent during the previous 12 months when HMV made pre-tax profits of £136.2 million - up 9.9 per cent on a year earlier.

But he added: "The UK trading environment became more difficult during the year and the outlook for the consumer remains uncertain."

The profits performance matched the expectations of the market which has become worried that HMV is losing sales to supermarkets and online competition.

However, Mr Giles said HMV continued to wrestle market share away from its rivals last year as shoppers were attracted by promotional deals on releases by artists including Franz Ferdinand, Keane and Scissor Sisters.

In September, HMV will launch a new service enabling music fans to download their favourite tunes digitally. It will provide software for a customised jukebox so customers can manage and listen to their songs online.

Mr Giles said the group remained committed to its expansion plans after increasing its trading space by 10 per cent through the opening of 23 new HMV stores in the UK and Ireland during the 53 weeks to April 30.

HMV currently has around 200 outlets selling music in the UK and Ireland, but is aiming for at least 300 stores within the next four to five years. Around 25 stores are due to open during the current financial year.

The group also expanded in Japan, Canada and Australia to take advantage of strong growth in its international businesses. Like-for-like sales have risen by 12.3 per cent in Canada since the start of May, with Asia Pacific ahead by 3.4 per cent.